The show goes on as theatres stay open

THE show will go on at theatres in Manchester tonight – even though police are advising people not to travel in the heavy snow. Performances of White Christmas and Porridge at The Lowry, Swan Lake at the Bridgewater Hall and The Sound of Music at the Palace Theatre are all still scheduled to go ahead – even though a police statement earlier today advised 'people should only travel if their journey is absolutely necessary.'

THE show will go on at theatres in Manchester tonight – even though police are advising people not to travel in the heavy snow.

Performances of White Christmas and Porridge at The Lowry, Swan Lake at the Bridgewater Hall and The Sound of Music at the Palace Theatre are all still scheduled to go ahead – even though a police statement earlier today advised 'people should only travel if their journey is absolutely necessary.'

The theatres said they would confirm in the morning whether shows tomorrow night will also go ahead.

Ticket holders who cannot make performances will not be reimbursed for wasted tickets. The Lowry and the Bridgewater Hall have said audience members will be able to exchange tickets for other shows but people hoping to see The Sound of Music at the Palace Theatre will not be offered any compensation if they cannot attend.

Jill Provan bought six tickets a year ago for tonight's The Sound of Music - for more than £200.

She said: 'It is a huge injustice. I find it unbelievable that the show is still going ahead. Clearly avoiding the cost and hassle of refunds is more important to the Palace than the safety of their customers.'

The Lowry and the Bridgewater Hall have put up messages up their websites informing ticket holders the shows will go on but that tickets can be used for future dates.

Pam James, 71, from Whitefield, booked tickets for White Christmas at The Lowry with nine friends.

She said: 'We are all pensioners and there is no way we can get to the theatre. We really wanted to see the show and won't be able to find another day that suits us all. I am furious.'

Pat Cope, 62, from Todmorden, bought tickets for Swan Lake at the Bridgewater Hall. 'I'm not going to take a chance in weather like this,' she said. 'I am really disappointed'.

A spokesperson for the Bridgewater Hall said those unable to make tonight's show could use tickets for tomorrow and Thursday night's performances.

Marie-Claire Daly, spokesperson for The Lowry, said artists were being helicoptered in for tonight's performances. She defended the decision not to offer refunds. 'It was a hard one to judge. We tried to do it in a way that is fairest for everyone,' she said.

Palace Theatre general manager Stuart Dornford-May, said: 'Under normal circumstances, we would offer patrons an exchange for a future performance. Unfortunately this is not possible as the remaining performances of The Sound Of Music are sold out. We recommend that patrons write to the theatre manager.'